osculum

American  

[os-kyuh-luhm] / ˈɒs kyə ləm /

noun

plural

oscula

1. a small mouthlike aperture, as of a sponge.

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osculum British  

/ ˈɒskjʊləm /

noun

1. zoology a mouthlike aperture, esp the opening in a sponge out of which water passes

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Etymology

Origin of osculum

1605–15; < New Latin, Latin ōsculum, equivalent to ōs mouth + -culum -cule ¹

Example Sentences

I. 145., has another imitation: "Exceptus gladio parvulus impio, Dum currit patrium natus ad osculum, Immatura focis victima concidit."

From Project Gutenberg

This custom appears to have been very general in past times, and Mr. Henderson suggests that “it may possibly be a dim memorial of the osculum pacis, or the presentation of the Pax to the newly-married pair.”

From Project Gutenberg

He introduced in his church the primitive custom of the “osculum pacis” and the “agape” celebrated as a common meal with broth.

From Project Gutenberg

With further complexity the simple internal cavity tends to disappear, and the sponge proliferates in such a way that more than one osculum is formed.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally an osculum, pores, &c., are formed, and the sponge is complete.

From Project Gutenberg